Atari is most known for its innovations in video game
technology. But a wealth of computer products and technologies
were pioneered by Atari. In 1979 Atari Inc. showcased its first
computer product at the Winter Consumer Electronics show.

From that point on Atari created innovative 8 bit computers
which were manufactured and supported up until 1992!

Atari corporation manufactured 16 bit and 32 bit systems which
ran its own operating system known as TOS; the last of which was
released in 1993 and called the Atari Falcon. Atari made notebook
computers that ran on their operating system and even made an
innovative portable computer palmtop computer that could run
spreadsheets, word processors and more and transfer files to
desktop machines (Mac's, IBM compatibles, and even Atari
machines!) This computer product was featured in Terminator 2 as
the computer used to break into cyberdyne system and to steal
money from an ATM. Atari made a series of IBM compatible machines
including a 386 laptop. Atari focused its computer products
largely on the Europeon market after 1984 and that is where they
were largely distributed. Many of their computer products from
1984 on were only distributed in Europe.

Americans remember the 8 bit computer machines from Atari's
early years but few actually know of the 16 bit and 32 bit
machines they manufactured. Atari's ST line of 16 bit computers
were very popular with musicians as they featured a built in MIDI
port enabling easy interface with professional music equipment.
It should be remembed that Atari Inc was partly sold to Jack
Tramiel in 1984 (all divisions except the coin operated video
game division). Jack Tramiel was the founder of Commodore so a
bitter battle between Atari and Jack's former company Commodore
ensued from 84 onward. At Atari Inc. during the early days Steve
Jobs worked for the company, he later went on to form Apple
Computers. To say Atari directly and indirectly was involved in
the growth of the computer market is an understatement.